U.S. patent number 11,129,705 [Application Number 16/464,230] was granted by the patent office on 2021-09-28 for sensing apparatus, artificial skin, method of detecting touch, and sensor.
This patent grant is currently assigned to BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.. The grantee listed for this patent is BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yingyi Li.
United States Patent |
11,129,705 |
Li |
September 28, 2021 |
Sensing apparatus, artificial skin, method of detecting touch, and
sensor
Abstract
A sensing apparatus includes a base substrate; a plurality of
sensing units on the base substrate, a respective one of the
plurality of sensing units including a first component configured
to emit light and a second component configured to detect light;
and an elastic layer on a side of the plurality of sensing units
distal to the base substrate and configured to undergo a
deformation upon a touch, at least a portion of light emitted from
the first component being reflected by a surface of the elastic
layer. The second component is configured to detect light reflected
by the surface of the elastic layer and output a sensing signal, an
intensity of which being correlated to a degree of the deformation
of the elastic layer at a local position.
Inventors: |
Li; Yingyi (Beijing,
CN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. |
Beijing |
N/A |
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.
(Beijing, CN)
|
Family
ID: |
64155653 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/464,230 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2019 |
PCT
Filed: |
January 03, 2019 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/CN2019/070270 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
May 24, 2019 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO2019/205731 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
October 31, 2019 |
Prior Publication Data
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|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20200281713 A1 |
Sep 10, 2020 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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|
|
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Apr 27, 2018 [CN] |
|
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201810391878.0 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F
2/105 (20130101); A61F 2/10 (20130101); G01B
11/167 (20130101); A61F 2/482 (20210801) |
Current International
Class: |
A61F
2/10 (20060101); G01B 11/16 (20060101); A61F
2/48 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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101617319 |
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Dec 2009 |
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CN |
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105183241 |
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Dec 2015 |
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CN |
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106648264 |
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May 2017 |
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CN |
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107135290 |
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Sep 2017 |
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CN |
|
107421681 |
|
Dec 2017 |
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CN |
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4544632 |
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Sep 2010 |
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JP |
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2017181442 |
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Oct 2017 |
|
JP |
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Other References
International Search Report & Written Opinion dated Apr. 8,
2019, regarding PCT/CN2019/070270. cited by applicant .
First Office Action in the Chinese Patent Application No.
201810391878.0, dated May 30, 2019; English translation attached.
cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Sharma; Yashita
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Intellectual Valley Law, P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sensing apparatus, comprising: a base substrate; a plurality
of sensing units on the base substrate, a respective one of the
plurality of sensing units comprising a first component and a
second component; an elastic layer on a side of the plurality of
sensing units distal to the base substrate and configured to
undergo a deformation upon a touch; switches configured to, during
a first period of the touch, control the first component to emit
light, the second component to detect light reflected by a surface
of the elastic layer, and output a first sensing signal, and,
during a second period of the touch, control the second component
to emit light, the first component to detect light reflected by the
surface of the elastic layer, and output a second sensing signal; a
processor configured to receive the first sensing signal and the
second sensing signal, and determine a degree of the deformation of
the elastic layer at each local position based on the first sensing
signal and the second sensing signal; an input voltage signal line;
a first output voltage signal line; a reference voltage signal
line; a ground voltage signal line; a first selector switch
configured to selectively couple a first terminal of the first
component to one of the input voltage signal line or the first
output voltage signal line; a second selector switch configured to
selectively couple a second terminal of the first component to one
of the reference voltage signal line or the ground voltage signal
line; a third selector switch configured to selectively couple a
first terminal of the second component to one of the input voltage
signal line or the first output voltage signal line; and a fourth
selector switch configured to selectively couple a second terminal
of the second component to one of the reference voltage signal line
or the ground voltage signal line.
2. The sensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a
reflective layer on a side of the elastic layer distal to the base
substrate, and configured to block light emitted from the first
component or the second component from emitting out of the elastic
layer.
3. The sensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a memory
configured to store a plurality of reference sensing signals
corresponding to different degrees of deformation; and wherein the
processor is configured to compare the first sensing signal and the
second sensing signal with the plurality of reference sensing
signals, and determine the degree of the deformation of the elastic
layer at each local position based on a result of comparing.
4. The sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the respective one of
the plurality of sensing units further comprises a third component;
wherein the sensing apparatus further comprises a second output
voltage signal line; a fifth selector switch configured to
selectively couple a first terminal of the third component to one
of the input voltage signal line or the second output voltage
signal line; and a sixth selector switch configured to selectively
couple a second terminal of the third component to one of the
reference voltage signal line or the ground voltage signal line;
wherein the third component is configured to detect light when a
voltage level at the second terminal of the third component is
higher than a voltage level at the first terminal of the third
component to generate a photocurrent flowing from the second
terminal of the third component to the first terminal of the third
component.
5. The sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein a total number of
components in the respective one of the plurality of sensing units
configured to emit light is one and a total number of components in
the respective one of the plurality of sensing units configured to
detect light is two.
6. The sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first component is
a light emitting diode and the second component is a
photodiode.
7. The sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first component is
a photodiode and the second component is a photodiode.
8. The sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elastic layer
comprises an elastic resin material.
9. A sensing apparatus, comprising: a base substrate; a plurality
of sensing units on the base substrate, a respective one of the
plurality of sensing units comprising a first component and a
second component; an elastic layer on a side of the plurality of
sensing units distal to the base substrate and configured to
undergo a deformation upon a touch; switches configured to, during
a first period of the touch, control the first component to emit
light, the second component to detect light reflected by a surface
of the elastic layer, and output a first sensing signal, and,
during a second period of the touch, control the second component
to emit light, the first component to detect light reflected by the
surface of the elastic layer, and output a second sensing signal;
and a processor configured to receive the first sensing signal and
the second sensing signal, and determine a degree of the
deformation of the elastic layer at each local position based on
the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal; wherein,
during the first period of the touch, the switches are configured
to control a voltage level at a first terminal of the first
component to be higher than a voltage level at a second terminal of
the first component to generate a first current flowing from the
first terminal of the first component to the second terminal of the
first component, thereby controlling the first component to emit
light, and control a voltage level at a second terminal of the
second component to be higher than a voltage level at a first
terminal of the second component to generate a first photocurrent
flowing from the second terminal of the second component to the
first terminal of the second component, thereby controlling the
second component to detect light reflected by the surface of the
elastic layer and output a first sensing signal; wherein, during
the second period of the touch, the switches are configured to
control a voltage level at the first terminal of the second
component to be higher than a voltage level at the second terminal
of the second component to generate a second current flowing from
the first terminal of the second component to the second terminal
of the second component, thereby controlling the second component
to emit light, and control a voltage level at the second terminal
of the first component to be higher than a voltage level at the
first terminal of the first component to generate a second
photocurrent flowing from the second terminal of the first
component to the first terminal of the first component, thereby
controlling the first component to detect light reflected by the
surface of the elastic layer and output a second sensing
signal.
10. An artificial skin, comprising: a flexible base substrate; a
plurality of sensing units on the flexible base substrate, a
respective one of the plurality of sensing units comprising a first
component and a second component; an elastic layer on a side of the
plurality of sensing units distal to the flexible base substrate
and configured to undergo a deformation upon a touch; switches
configured to, during a first period of the touch, control the
first component to emit light, the second component to detect light
reflected by a surface of the elastic layer, and output a first
sensing signal, and, during a second period of the touch, control
the second component to emit light, the first component to detect
light reflected by the surface of the elastic layer, and output a
second sensing signal; a processor configured to receive the first
sensing signal and the second sensing signal, and determine a
degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at each local
position based on the first sensing signal and the second sensing
signal; an input voltage signal line; a first output voltage signal
line; a reference voltage signal line; a ground voltage signal
line; a first selector switch configured to selectively couple a
first terminal of the first component to one of the input voltage
signal line or the first output voltage signal line; a second
selector switch configured to selectively couple a second terminal
of the first component to one of the reference voltage signal line
or the ground voltage signal line; a third selector switch
configured to selectively couple a first terminal of the second
component to one of the input voltage signal line or the first
output voltage signal line; and a fourth selector switch configured
to selectively couple a second terminal of the second component to
one of the reference voltage signal line or the ground voltage
signal line.
11. A method of detecting a touch, comprising: during a first
period of the touch, controlling a first component of a respective
one of a plurality of sensing units to emit light, reflecting at
least a portion of light emitted from the first component by a
surface of an elastic layer, controlling a second component of the
respective one of the plurality of sensing units to detect light
reflected by the surface of the elastic layer, and outputting a
first sensing signal; during a second period of the touch,
controlling the second component to emit light, reflecting at least
a portion of light emitted from the second component by the surface
of the elastic layer, controlling the first component to detect
light reflected by the surface of the elastic layer, and output a
second sensing signal; processing the first sensing signal and the
second sensing signal by a processor; and determining degree of a
deformation of the elastic layer at each local position based on
the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of first components of the
plurality of sensing units to an input voltage signal line at a
given time interval; sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of first components of the plurality of sensing units to
a ground voltage signal line at a given time interval; sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of second components of the
plurality of sensing units to a first output voltage signal line at
a given time interval; sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of second components of the plurality of sensing units to
a reference voltage signal line at a given time interval; and
detecting a first output voltage from the first output voltage
signal line thereby determining a touch position and a touch
pressure.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: during the first
period of the touch, controlling a voltage level at a first
terminal of the first component to be higher than a voltage level
at a second terminal of the first component to generate a first
current flowing from the first terminal of the first component to
the second terminal of the first component, thereby controlling the
first component to emit light, and controlling a voltage level at a
second terminal of the second component to be higher than a voltage
level at a first terminal of the second component to generate a
first photocurrent flowing from the second terminal of the second
component to the first terminal of the second component, thereby
controlling the second component to detect light reflected by the
surface of the elastic layer and output a first sensing signal;
during the second period of the touch, controlling a voltage level
at the first terminal of the second component to be higher than a
voltage level at the second terminal of the second component to
generate a second current flowing from the first terminal of the
second component to the second terminal of the second component,
thereby controlling the second component to emit light, and
controlling a voltage level at the second terminal of the first
component to be higher than a voltage level at the first terminal
of the first component to generate a second photocurrent flowing
from the second terminal of the first component to the first
terminal of the first component, thereby controlling the first
component to detect light reflected by the surface of the elastic
layer and output a second sensing signal.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising: sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of second components of the
plurality of sensing units to an input voltage signal line at a
given time interval; sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of second components of the plurality of sensing units to
a ground voltage signal line at a given time interval; sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of first components of the
plurality of sensing units to a first output voltage signal line at
a given time interval; sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of first components of the plurality of sensing units to
a reference voltage signal line at a given time interval; and
detecting a second output voltage from the first output voltage
signal line thereby determining a touch position and a touch
pressure.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: further detecting
light reflected by the surface of the elastic layer by a third
component of the respective one of the plurality of sensing units;
and outputting a third sensing signal from the third component of
the respective one of the plurality of sensing units; wherein an
intensity of the third sensing signal is correlated to a degree of
the deformation of the elastic layer at a local position.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of first components of the
plurality of sensing units to an input voltage signal line at a
given time interval; sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of first components of the plurality of sensing units to
a ground voltage signal line at a given time interval; sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of second components of the
plurality of sensing units to a first output voltage signal line at
a given time interval; sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of second components of the plurality of sensing units to
a reference voltage signal line at a given time interval;
sequentially selectively coupling first terminals of third
components of the plurality of sensing units to a second output
voltage signal line at a given time interval; sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of third components of the
plurality of sensing units to the reference voltage signal line at
a given time interval; and detecting a first output voltage from
the first output voltage signal line and a second output voltage
from the second output voltage signal line, thereby determining a
touch position and a touch pressure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn. 371 of International Application No. PCT/CN2019/070270,
filed Jan. 3, 2019, which claims priority to Chinese Patent
Application No. 201810391878.0, filed Apr. 27, 2018, the contents
of which are incorporated by reference in the entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to touch sensing technology, more
particularly, to a sensing apparatus, an artificial skin, a method
of detecting a touch, and a sensor.
BACKGROUND
Artificial skin has been developed in recent years, and has found
applications in many fields. For example, prosthetic limbs can be
covered with artificial skin to provide the user with sensing
functions. Robotic limbs can be covered with artificial skin to
allow better control for performing various functions.
SUMMARY
In one aspect, the present invention provides a sensing apparatus,
comprising a base substrate; a plurality of sensing units on the
base substrate, a respective one of the plurality of sensing units
comprising a first component configured to emit light and a second
component configured to detect light; and an elastic layer on a
side of the plurality of sensing units distal to the base substrate
and configured to undergo a deformation upon a touch, at least a
portion of light emitted from the first component being reflected
by a surface of the elastic layer; wherein the second component is
configured to detect light reflected by the surface of the elastic
layer and output a sensing signal, an intensity of which being
correlated to a degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at a
local position.
Optionally, the sensing apparatus further comprises a reflective
layer on a side of the elastic layer distal to the base substrate,
and configured to block light emitted from the first component from
emitting out of the elastic layer.
Optionally, the sensing apparatus further comprises a processor
configured to receive the sensing signal from the second component
of the respective one of the plurality of sensing units, and
determine the degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at
each local position based on the sensing signal from the second
component of the respective one of the plurality of sensing
units.
Optionally, the sensing apparatus further comprises a memory
configured to store a plurality of reference sensing signals
corresponding to different degrees of deformation; and a processor
configured to receive the sensing signal from the second component
of the respective one of the plurality of sensing units, compare
the sensing signal from the second component of the respective one
of the plurality of sensing units with the plurality of reference
sensing signals, and determine the degree of the deformation of the
elastic layer at each local position based on comparison between
the sensing signal from the second component of the respective one
of the plurality of sensing units and the plurality of reference
sensing signals.
Optionally, the sensing apparatus further comprises an input
voltage signal line; a first output voltage signal line; a
reference voltage signal line; a ground voltage signal line; a
first selector switch configured to selectively couple a first
terminal of the first component to one of the input voltage signal
line or the first output voltage signal line; a second selector
switch configured to selectively couple a second terminal of the
first component to one of the reference voltage signal line or the
ground voltage signal line; a third selector switch configured to
selectively couple a first terminal of the second component to one
of the input voltage signal line or the first output voltage signal
line; and a fourth selector switch configured to selectively couple
a second terminal of the second component to one of the reference
voltage signal line or the ground voltage signal line.
Optionally, the first component is configured to emit light when a
voltage level at the first terminal of the first component is
higher than a voltage level at the second terminal of the first
component to generate a current flowing from the first terminal of
the first component to the second terminal of the first component;
and the second component is configured to detect light when a
voltage level at the second terminal of the second component is
higher than a voltage level at the first terminal of the second
component to generate a photocurrent flowing from the second
terminal of the second component to the first terminal of the
second component.
Optionally, the first component is configured to detect light when
a voltage level at the second terminal of the first component is
higher than a voltage level at the first terminal of the first
component to generate a photocurrent flowing from the second
terminal of the first component to the first terminal of the first
component; and the second component is configured to emit light
when a voltage level at the first terminal of the second component
is higher than a voltage level at the second terminal of the second
component to generate a current flowing from the first terminal of
the second component to the second terminal of the second
component.
Optionally, the respective one of the plurality of sensing units
further comprises a third component; wherein the sensing apparatus
further comprises a second output voltage signal line; a fifth
selector switch configured to selectively couple a first terminal
of the third component to one of the input voltage signal line or
the second output voltage signal line; and a sixth selector switch
configured to selectively couple a second terminal of the third
component to one of the reference voltage signal line or the ground
voltage signal line, wherein the third component is configured to
detect light when a voltage level at the second terminal of the
third component is higher than a voltage level at the first
terminal of the third component to generate a photocurrent flowing
from the second terminal of the third component to the first
terminal of the third component.
Optionally, a total number of components in the respective one of
the plurality of sensing units configured to emit light is one and
a total number of components in the respective one of the plurality
of sensing units configured to detect light is two.
Optionally, the first component is a light emitting diode and the
second component is a photodiode.
Optionally, the first component is a photodiode and the second
component is a photodiode.
Optionally, the elastic layer comprises an elastic resin
material.
In another aspect, the present invention provides an artificial
skin, comprising the sensing apparatus described herein or
fabricated by a method described herein, wherein the base substrate
is a flexible base substrate.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of
detecting a touch, comprising emitting light from a first component
of a respective one of a plurality of sensing units; reflecting at
least a portion of light emitted from the first component by a
surface of an elastic layer; detecting light reflected by the
surface of the elastic layer by a second component of the
respective one of the plurality of sensing units; and outputting a
first sensing signal from the second component of the respective
one of the plurality of sensing units; wherein an intensity of the
first sensing signal is correlated to a degree of the deformation
of the elastic layer at a local position.
Optionally, the method further comprises sequentially selectively
coupling first terminals of first components of the plurality of
sensing units to an input voltage signal line at a given time
interval; sequentially selectively coupling second terminals of
first components of the plurality of sensing units to a ground
voltage signal line at a given time interval; sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of second components of the
plurality of sensing units to a first output voltage signal line at
a given time interval; sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of second components of the plurality of sensing units to
a reference voltage signal line at a given time interval; and
detecting a first output voltage from the first output voltage
signal line thereby determining a touch position and a touch
pressure.
Optionally, the method further comprises emitting light from the
second component of the respective one of a plurality of sensing
units; reflecting at least a portion of light emitted from the
second component by the surface of the elastic layer; detecting
light reflected by the surface of the elastic layer by the first
component of the respective one of the plurality of sensing units;
and outputting a second sensing signal from the first component of
the respective one of the plurality of sensing units; wherein the
intensity of the second sensing signal is correlated to a degree of
the deformation of the elastic layer at a local position.
Optionally, the method further comprises sequentially selectively
coupling first terminals of second components of the plurality of
sensing units to an input voltage signal line at a given time
interval, sequentially selectively coupling second terminals of
second components of the plurality of sensing units to a ground
voltage signal line at a given time interval; sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of first components of the
plurality of sensing units to a first output voltage signal line at
a given time interval; sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of first components of the plurality of sensing units to
a reference voltage signal line at a given time interval; and
detecting a second output voltage from the first output voltage
signal line thereby determining a touch position and a touch
pressure.
Optionally, the method further comprises further detecting light
reflected by the surface of the elastic layer by a third component
of the respective one of the plurality of sensing units; and
outputting a third sensing signal from the third component of the
respective one of the plurality of sensing units; wherein an
intensity of the third sensing signal is correlated to a degree of
the deformation of the elastic layer at a local position.
Optionally, the method further comprises sequentially selectively
coupling first terminals of first components of the plurality of
sensing units to an input voltage signal line at a given time
interval; sequentially selectively coupling second terminals of
first components of the plurality of sensing units to a ground
voltage signal line at a given time interval; sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of second components of the
plurality of sensing units to a first output voltage signal line at
a given time interval; sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of second components of the plurality of sensing units to
a reference voltage signal line at a given time interval;
sequentially selectively coupling first terminals of third
components of the plurality of sensing units to a second output
voltage signal line at a given time interval; sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of third components of the
plurality of sensing units to the reference voltage signal line at
a given time interval; and detecting a first output voltage from
the first output voltage signal line and a second output voltage
from the second output voltage signal line, thereby determining a
touch position and a touch pressure.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of
fabricating a sensing apparatus, comprising forming a plurality of
sensing units on a base substrate, the respective one of the
plurality of sensing units formed to comprise a first component
configured to emit light and a second component configured to
detect light; and forming an elastic layer on a side of the
plurality of sensing units distal to the base substrate and
configured to undergo a deformation upon a touch, at least a
portion of light emitted from the first component being reflected
by a surface of the elastic layer; wherein the second component is
formed to detect light reflected by the surface of the elastic
layer and output a sensing signal, an intensity of which being
correlated to a degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at a
local position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The following drawings are merely examples for illustrative
purposes according to various disclosed embodiments and are not
intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing
apparatus in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing
apparatus during a touch event in some embodiments according to the
present disclosure.
FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a process of detecting a touch in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing
apparatus in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a first component of a sensing
circuit in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a second component of a sensing
circuit in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 8 illustrates various arrangements of sensor units in a
sensing apparatus in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing
apparatus in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing
apparatus in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a method of fabricating a
sensing apparatus in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of fabricating a
sensing apparatus in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The disclosure will now be described more specifically with
reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the
following descriptions of some embodiments are presented herein for
purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to
be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.
Piezoelectric pressure sensor have been developed and
commercialized as sensors for detecting touch pressure. Typically,
these piezoelectric pressure sensors have a relatively low
resolution, and can only detect pressure applied from a certain
direction. In order to have a certain accuracy, the piezoelectric
pressure sensor unit has to be made relatively large. Thus, the
piezoelectric pressure sensors are not suitable for pressure
detection with a high accuracy requirement, particularly in
miniaturized instruments. Moreover, the fabricating process of the
piezoelectric pressure sensors is costly and complicated, placing a
high demand on process precision.
Accordingly, the present disclosure provides, inter cilia, a
sensing apparatus, an artificial skin, a method of detecting a
touch, and a sensor that substantially obviate one or more of the
problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a sensing apparatus.
In some embodiments, the sensing apparatus includes a base
substrate; a plurality of sensing units on the base substrate, a
respective one of the plurality of sensing units including a first
component configured to emit light and a second component
configured to detect light; and an elastic layer on a side of the
plurality of sensing units distal to the base substrate and
configured to undergo a deformation upon a touch, at least a
portion of light emitted from the first component being reflected
by a surface of the elastic layer. Optionally, the second component
is configured to detect light reflected by the surface of the
elastic layer and output a sensing signal. Optionally, an intensity
of the sensing signal output from the second component is
correlated to a degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at a
local position.
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing
apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1, the sensing apparatus in some embodiments
includes a base substrate 20 and a plurality of sensing unit SU on
the base substrate 20. A respective one of the plurality of sensing
unit SU includes a first component 21 configured to emit light and
a second component 22 configured to detect light. The sensing
apparatus in some embodiments further includes an elastic layer 23
on a side of the plurality of sensing units SU distal to the base
substrate 20 and configured to undergo a deformation upon a touch,
at least a portion of light emitted from the first component 21
being reflected by a surface S of the elastic layer 23. Optionally,
the elastic layer 23 at least partially covers the plurality of
sensing units SU.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing
apparatus during a touch event in some embodiments according to the
present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, the sensing apparatus is
subject to a touch, e.g., a force 24 is applied to the surface S of
the elastic, layer 23. Upon the application of the force 24, the
elastic layer 23 undergoes a deformation at a local position as
shown in FIG. 2. Optionally, the second component 22 is configured
to detect light reflected by the surface S of the elastic layer 23
and output a sensing signal (e.g., a voltage signal v as shown in
FIG. 2). Optionally, an intensity of the sensing signal output from
the second component 22 is correlated to a degree of the
deformation of the elastic layer 23 at a local position.
Various appropriate materials may be used for making the base
substrate 20. Examples of appropriate materials for making the base
substrate 20 include glass, silicon, quartz, and flexible materials
such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyethylene
terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyarylate, and
fiber-reinforced plastic. Optionally, the base substrate 20 is made
of a flexible material. A flexible base substrate is particularly
suitable in applications such as making artificial skins having the
sensing apparatus integrated therein. The artificial skin typically
requires it sufficiently flexible for attaching on non-flat
surface.
Various appropriate materials may be used for making the elastic
layer 23. Examples of appropriate materials for making the elastic
layer 23 include polyimides, polysilicones, polysiloxanes,
polyepoxides, silicone-based polymers (e.g.,
polydimethylsiloxane-based materials such as polydimethylsiloxane,
hexamethyldisiloxane, and polyphenylmethylsiloxane),
polyurethane-based materials (such as polyurethane, polyurethane
acrylate, polyether urethane, and polycarbonate-polyurethane
elastomers), polyvinylfluoride, polyvinylchloride, acrylate
polymer, acrylate terpolymer, rubbers (e.g., chloroprene rubber,
acryl-based rubber, and nitrile rubber), polyvinylpyrrolidone,
polyvinyl alcohol, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose acetate,
cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate,
polymethyl acrylate, polyvinyl acetate, polyacrylonitrile,
polyfurfuryl alcohol, polystyrene, polyethylene oxide,
polypropylene oxide, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride,
polycaprolactone, and any combination thereof. Optionally, the
elastic layer 23 is made of an elastic resin material.
Optionally, the elastic layer 23 has a Young's modulus in a range
of approximately 0.001 GPa to approximately 1.5 GPa, e.g.,
approximately 0.001 GPa to approximately 0.05 GPa, approximately
0.05 GPa to approximately 0.1 GPa, approximately 0.1 GPa to
approximately 0.2 GPa, approximately 0.2 GPa to approximately 0.3
GPa, approximately 0.3 GPa to approximately 0.4 GPa, and
approximately 0.4 GPa to approximately 0.5 GPa, approximately 0.5
GPa to approximately 1.0 GPa and approximately 1.0 GPa to
approximately 1.5 GPa.
In some embodiments, the sensing apparatus includes a simile one
sensing unit (which includes a first component 21 and a second
component 22 as discussed above).
In some embodiments, the sensing apparatus includes the plurality
of sensing unit SU arranged in a form of an array. FIG. 8
illustrates various arrangements of sensor units in a sensing
apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
As shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of sensing unit SU may be
arranged in various appropriate forms of arrays, such as a
rectangular array (8-1), a rhombohedral array (8-2), and a
hexagonal array (8-3).
Referring, to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the sensing apparatus in some
embodiments further includes a reflective layer 25 on a side of the
elastic layer 23 distal to the base substrate 20. The reflective
layer 25 is configured to block light emitted from the first
component 21 from emitting out of the elastic layer 22. The
reflective layer 25 may be a reflective film e.g., a reflective
metal film) disposed on a side of the elastic layer 23 distal to
the base substrate 20.
Various appropriate materials and various appropriate fabricating
methods may be used to make the reflective layer 25. For example, a
reflective material may be deposited by a plasma-enhanced chemical
vapor deposition (PECVD) process. Examples of appropriate
reflective materials for making the reflective layer 25 include,
but are not limited to, silver, aluminum, and titanium. By having a
reflective layer 25, diffused reflection of light emitted from the
first component 21 can be avoided as much as possible, the light
reflected by the reflective layer 25 can be limited to a same
sensing unit to the extent possible. By having the reflective layer
25, interference among adjacent sensing units can be avoided as
much as possible, enhancing detection accuracy of a respective one
of the plurality of sensing units SU.
In some embodiments, the reflective layer 25 and the elastic layer
23 are integrated together. For example, the elastic layer 23 may
be a reflective elastic layer made of a reflective and elastic
material.
In some embodiments, the intensity of the sensing signal output
from the second component 22 can be described or expressed using a
detectable value or a value that directly reflecting the intensity
of light received by the second component 22. Further, the value
describing the intensity of light received by the second component
22 reflects the degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at
the local position. In one example, the value is zero, which
denotes that the second component 22 does not receive any
detectable light from the first component 21. Examples of
detectable values of the intensity of the sensing signal include,
but are not limited to, an output voltage signal, an output current
signal, or other appropriate signals correlated to the intensity of
light received by the second component 22.
Upon applications of different forces to a surface of the sensing
apparatus, the elastic layer 23 undergoes deformation of different
degrees, and degrees of interference on the light transmission from
the first component 21 to the second component 22 are different,
and the second component 22 outputs different sensing signals.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 again, at least a portion of light
emitted from the first component 21 is reflected by the surface S
of the elastic layer 23 on a side distal to the base substrate 20,
and the second component 22 detects the at least the portion of
light reflected by the surface S of the elastic layer 23. The
second component 22, based on the intensity of light received,
generates a voltage signal in its equivalent circuit. Based on the
magnitude of the voltage signal, the sensing apparatus determines
the intensity of light received by the second component, and in
turn determines whether a force 24 is applied to the sensing
apparatus at the local position, and if so, the position and
magnitude of the force being applied.
In some embodiments, the sensing apparatus further includes a
sensing circuit. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring
to FIG. 4, the sensing circuit in some embodiments includes a light
emitting circuit, in which a first terminal of the first component
21 is provided with an input voltage signal Vin, and a second
terminal of the first component 21 is connected to a ground voltage
0V. The sensing circuit in some embodiments further includes a
light detecting circuit in which a first terminal of the second
component 22 outputs a sensing signal Vout, and a second terminal
of the second component 22 is connected to a reference voltage
signal V0.
Various appropriate light emitting elements may be used as the
first component 21 in the present sensing apparatus. Examples of
appropriate light emitting elements include a light emitting diode
such as an organic light emitting diode, a quantum dots light
emitting diode, and a micro light emitting diode. Examples of light
emitting elements further induct a photodiode.
Various appropriate light detecting elements may be used as the
second component 2 in the present sensing apparatus. Examples of
appropriate light detecting elements include various photosensors.
Optionally, the second component 22 includes a photodiode.
Optionally, the first component 21 is configured to emit
substantially collimated light. Optionally, the first component 21
is configured to emit diffused light. Optionally, a respective one
of the plurality of sensing units SU includes a single one of the
first component 21. Optionally, a respective one of the plurality
of sensing units SU includes multiple ones of the first component
21. Optionally, a respective one of the plurality of sensing units
SU includes a single one of the second component 22. Optionally, a
respective one of the plurality of sensing units SU includes
multiple ones of the second component 22. The components (e.g., the
first component 21 and the second component 22) in the plurality of
sensing units SU are spaced apart from each other such that in the
respective one of the plurality of sensing units SU, the second
component 22 receives at least a portion of light emitted from the
first component 21 and reflected by the surface S of the elastic
layer 23 when the elastic layer 23 is substantially undeformed, and
light received by the second component 22 has a different intensity
when the elastic layer 23 undergoes a deformation to change the
reflective angle of the surface S.
In some embodiments, the second component 22 is configured not to
receive any light emitted from the first component 21 and reflected
by the surface S of the elastic layer 23 when the elastic layer 23
is substantially undeformed. For example, the first component 21
and the second component 22 in a respective one of the plurality of
sensing units SU are spaced apart from each other by a distance
such that no light emitted from the first component 21 and
reflected by the surface S of the elastic layer 23 reaches the
second component 22. Optionally, the second component 22 is
configured to receive at least a portion of light emitted from the
first component 21 and reflected by the surface S of the elastic
layer 23 when the elastic layer 23 undergoes a deformation.
In some embodiments, the sensing apparatus is configured to detect
whether a pressure applied to the elastic layer 23 by the force 24
exceeds a threshold. Optionally, the sensing apparatus is
configured to be an alarm. Optionally, multiple sensing units of
the plurality of sensing units SU of the sensing apparatus are
configured to respectively detect pressures applied to the elastic
layer 23 exceeding different threshold values. Optionally, the
sensing apparatus can detect an approximate range of pressure
applied to the sensing apparatus based on the output (or absence
thereof) of the multiple sensing units. Optionally, the sensing
apparatus is configured to be a multi-phase alarm.
Various other implementations may be practiced using the present
sensing apparatus. Examples of applications of the present sensing
apparatus include an artificial skin, sensing apparatus in a
precision instrument, biomedical diagnosis, and so on. The sensing
apparatus may be miniaturized to suit the applications. Optionally,
the first component 21 includes a photodiode and the second
component 22 includes a photodiode.
FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a first component of a sensing
circuit in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of a second component of a sensing
circuit in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the first
component 21 is a photodiode and the second component 22 is also a
photodiode. The photodiode includes a P/N junction which makes it
highly sensitive to light intensity change. The photodiode has
unidirectional conductivity. When the photodiode is used as a first
component 21, an input voltage signal Vin is provided to the first
terminal of the photodiode to generate a forward voltage from the
first terminal to the second terminal in the equivalent circuit,
the photodiode emits light 74. The photodiode has a small saturated
reverse drain voltage, e.g., a dark voltage, when the photodiode is
not exposed to light, at which time the photodiode is turned off.
When the photodiode is exposed to light 84 (as shown in FIG. 7),
the saturated reverse drain voltage increases, forming a
photovoltage that varies with the intensity of the incident light
84. When light irradiates on the P/N junction, electron-hole pairs
are generated in the P/N junction, increasing a density of some
carriers. The carriers drift under the reverse voltage, increasing
the reverse voltage. One terminal of the photodiode (as the second
component 22) is provided with a reference voltage signal V0,
another terminal of the photodiode outputs the sensing signal
Vout.
In some embodiments, each of the first component and the second
component is a component that can be configured to emit light and
can be alternatively configured to detect light. For example, in
some embodiments, each of the first component and the second
component is a photosensing light emitting diode, such as a
photodiode. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a process of detecting a
touch in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the first component is a first
photodiode 210, and the second component is a second photodiode
220. Referring to FIG. 3A, the first photodiode 210 is configured
to emit light and the second photodiode 220 is configured to detect
light. At least a portion of light emitted from the first
photodiode 210 and reflected by the surface of the elastic layer 23
is received by the second photodiode 220, the second photodiode 220
outputs a first voltage signal V1. The equivalent circuit for the
first photodiode 210 is illustrated in FIG. 6, and the equivalent
circuit for the second photodiode 220 is illustrated in FIG. 7.
When the first photodiode 210 is switched to be a light detecting
component, and the second photodiode 220 is switched to be a light
emitting component, the equivalent circuit for the first photodiode
210 is illustrated in FIG. 7, and the equivalent circuit for the
second photodiode 220 is illustrated in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG.
3B, the second photodiode 220 is configured to emit light and the
first photodiode 210 is configured to detect light. At least a
portion of light emitted from the second photodiode 220 and
reflected by the surface of the elastic layer 23 is received by the
first photodiode 210, the first photodiode 210 outputs a second
voltage signal V2.
In some embodiments, by comparing the intensity of the first
voltage signal V1 and the intensity of the second voltage signal
V2, the touch position (the position where the force is applied on
the sensing apparatus) can be determined. By calibrating the
sensing signals with a plurality of reference signals respectively
corresponding to a plurality of reference pressures, the pressure
applied to the sensing apparatus can be determined.
In some embodiments, a total number of components in a respective
one of the plurality of sensing units configured to emit light is
one and a total number of components in the respective one of the
plurality of sensing units configured to detect light is two. FIG.
5 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing apparatus in
some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to
FIG. 5, a total number of the first component 21 in the respective
one of the plurality of sensing units is one, and a total number of
the second component 22 in the respective one of the plurality of
sensing units is two. The first one of the second component 22 is
configured to output a first sensing signal V11, and the second one
of the second component 22 is configured to output a second sensing
signal V22. Optionally, by comparing the intensity of the first
voltage signal V11 and the intensity of the second voltage signal
V22, the touch position (the position where the force is applied on
the sensing apparatus) can be determined. By calibrating the
sensing signals with a plurality of reference signals respectively
corresponding to a plurality of reference pressures, the pressure
applied to the sensing apparatus can be determined. By having two
sensing signals output from the respective one of the plurality of
sensing units, the sensing apparatus can not only detect Whether a
force is applied, but also detect the touch position and a
magnitude of the applied pressure.
Optionally, a total number of components in a respective one of the
plurality of sensing units configured to emit light is one and a
total number of components in the respective one of the plurality
of sensing units configured to detect light is one.
Optionally, a total number of components in a respective one of the
plurality of sensing units configured to emit light is two or more
and a total number of components in the respective one of the
plurality of sensing units configured to detect light is two or
more. By having multiple light emitting components and multiple
light detecting components in the respective one of the plurality
of sensing units, the light detecting accuracy can be greatly
enhanced. In example, a total number of components in the
respective one of the plurality of sensing units configured to emit
light is two and a total number of components in the respective one
of the plurality of sensing units configured to detect light is
also two. Bach of the two light detecting components is configured
to independently detect reflected light from two light emitting
components, and each of the two light emitting components
independently emits light, reflection of which on the surface of
the elastic layer 23 is independently affected by the deformation
of the elastic layer 23.
Referring to FIG. 8, a respective one of the plurality of sensing
units includes multiple ones of light detecting components arranged
in a form of an array. Optionally, the sensing apparatus having the
array of light detecting components can be encapsulated in a way
such that adjacent sensing units of the plurality of sensing units
do not interfere with each other. Optionally, the elastic layer
includes a plurality of elastic blocks respectively in the
plurality of sensing units, and adjacent elastic blocks of the
plurality of elastic blocks are spaced apart from each other.
Optionally, the elastic layer is a continuous integral layer
overlaying the plurality of sensing units altogether, the integral
structure is then divided into the plurality of sensing units
during an encapsulating process.
In some embodiments, the plurality of sensing units are connected
together to form an integral array of circuits. Optionally, the
plurality of sensing units are connected in parallel. Optionally,
the plurality of sensing units are connected in series.
In some embodiments, the plurality of sensing units are not
connected to each other, but independent units configured to
independently detect deformation of the elastic layer at each local
position, thereby independently detecting a touch.
In some embodiments, in the sensing apparatus having the plurality
of sensing units, a touch position can be detected by detecting the
sensing signal output from the respective one of the plurality of
sensing units to determine which sensing unit(s) is applied with a
force. Optionally, the magnitude of the pressure applied to the
sensing apparatus can be detected by detecting a sum of the sensing
signals from the plurality of sensing units, and comparing the sum
of the sensing signals with a reference database.
In some embodiments, in the sensing apparatus having the plurality
of sensing units, presence or absence of a touch, the touch
position, and the magnitude of the pressure applied, can be
determined based on the sensing signal output from the respective
one of the plurality of sensing units individually. A
high-resolution touch detection can be achieved, particularly
suitable for applications in medical devices and biotechnology
applications. In one example, the sensing apparatus according to
the present disclosure can be used in combination with a nano-probe
to search and track the movement of the nano-probe.
As shown in FIG. 8, the plurality of sensing unit SU may be
arranged in various appropriate forms of arrays, such as a
rectangular array (8-1), a rhombohedral array (8-2), and a
hexagonal array (8-3). By having a high-density and high-resolution
array arrangement, a relatively high resolution can be achieved,
e.g., higher than 1 mm resolution.
In some embodiments, the sensing apparatus further includes a
sensing circuit configured to receive the sensing signal from the
second component of a respective one of the plurality of sensing
units, and determine the degree of the deformation of the elastic
layer at each local position based on the sensing signal from the
second component of the respective one of the plurality of sensing
units. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing
apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 9, the sensing apparatus includes a main body 100
and a first processor 101 coupled to the main body 100. The main
body 100 may include the base substrate, the elastic layer, and the
plurality of sensing units as described above. In some embodiments,
the first processor 101 is configured to receive the sensing signal
from the second component of the respective one of the plurality of
sensing units, and determine the degree of the deformation of the
elastic layer at each local position based on the sensing signal
from the second component of the respective one of the plurality of
sensing units.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a sensing
apparatus in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 10, the sensing apparatus in some embodiments
includes a memory 111 configured to store a plurality of reference
sensing signals corresponding to different degrees of deformation,
and a second processor 112 configured to receive the sensing signal
from the second component of the respective one of the plurality of
sensing units, compare the sensing signal from the second component
of the respective one of the plurality of sensing units with the
plurality of reference sensing signals, and determine the degree of
the deformation of the elastic layer at each local position based
on comparison between the sensing signal from the second component
of the respective one of the plurality of sensing units and the
plurality of reference sensing signals.
Each of the first processor 101, the memory 111, and the second
processor 112, can be disposed in the sensing apparatus.
Alternatively, each of the first processor 101, the memory 111, and
the second processor 112, can be disposed remotely, e.g., in cloud
or a remote server. In one example, the first processor 101, the
memory 111, and the second processor 112 are disposed in a server,
which is wirelessly connected to the main body 110. The server
optionally further includes a wireless communication unit
configured to receive and transmit data between the main body and
the server. Optionally, the server further includes a deep learning
training unit to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of pressure
detection. Optionally, the first processor 101 and the second
processor 112 are a same processor.
In some embodiments, the base substrate and the elastic layer of
the sensing apparatus are made of flexible materials, with the
light emitting components and light detecting components embedded
therein. The resulting structure forms an integral artificial
tactile sensing apparatus, having excellent adhering ability,
particularly suitable for making artificial skins attached to the
human skin or attached to prosthetic limb, simulating prosthetic
touch.
In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of
fabricating a sensing apparatus. FIG. 11 is a flow chart
illustrating a method of fabricating a sensing apparatus in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring to FIG.
11, the method in some embodiments includes forming a plurality of
sensing units on a base substrate, a respective one of the
plurality of sensing units formed to include a first component
configured to emit light and a second component configured to
detect light; and forming an elastic layer on a side of the
plurality of sensing units distal to the base substrate and
configured to undergo a deformation upon a touch, at least a
portion of light emitted from the first component being reflected
by a surface of the elastic layer, the second component being
formed to detect light reflected by the surface of the elastic
layer and output a sensing signal, an intensity of which being
correlated to a degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at a
local position. Optionally, the first component is formed as a
point light source. Optionally, the first component is formed to
emit substantially collimated light.
In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a
processor configured to receive the sensing signal from the second
component of a respective one of the plurality of sensing units,
and determine the degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at
each local position based on the sensing signal front the second
component of the respective one of the plurality of sensing units.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method of fabricating a
sensing apparatus in some embodiments according to the present
disclosure. Referring to FIG. 12, the method in some embodiments
further includes forming a memory configured to store a plurality
of reference sensing signals corresponding to different degrees of
deformation; and forming a second processor configured to receive
the sensing signal from the second component of the respective one
of the plurality of sensing units, compare the sensing signal from
the second component of the respective one of the plurality of
sensing units with the plurality of reference sensing signals, and
determine the degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at
each local position based on comparison between the sensing signal
from the second component of the respective one of the plurality of
sensing units and the plurality of reference sensing signals.
In another aspect, the present disclosure further provides a method
of detecting a touch. In some embodiments, the method includes
emitting light from a first component of a respective one of a
plurality of sensing units, reflecting at least a portion of light
emitted from the first component by a surface of an elastic layer;
detecting light reflected by the surface of the elastic layer by a
second component of the respective one of the plurality of sensing
units; and outputting a first sensing signal from the second
component of the respective one of the plurality of sensing units;
wherein an intensity of the first sensing signal is correlated to a
degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at a local
position.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring
to FIG. 13, the method in some embodiments includes outputting a
first sensing signal from the second component of a respective one
of the plurality of sensing units upon receiving light reflected by
a surface of the elastic layer by the second component; and
determining a degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at
each local position based on the sensing signal from the second
component.
In some embodiments, the intensity of the sensing signal output
from the second component can be described or expressed using a
detectable value or a value that directly reflecting the intensity
of light received by the second component. Further, the value
describing the intensity of light received by the second component
reflects the degree of the deformation of the elastic layer at the
local position. In one example, the value is zero, which denotes
that the second component does not receive any detectable light
from the first component. Based on the magnitude of the sensing
signal, a processor determines the intensity of light received by
the second component, and in turn determines whether a force is
applied to the elastic layer at the local position, and if so, the
position and magnitude of the force being applied.
FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring
to FIG. 14, the method in some embodiments includes outputting a
first sensing signal from the second component of a respective one
of the plurality of sensing units upon receiving light reflected by
a surface of the elastic layer by the second component; based on a
plurality of reference sensing signals corresponding to different
degrees of deformation stored in a memory, comparing the sensing
signal from the second component of the respective one of the
plurality of sensing units with the plurality of reference sensing
signals; and determining the degree of the deformation of the
elastic layer at each local position based on comparison between
the sensing signal from the second component of the respective one
of the plurality of sensing units and the plurality of reference
sensing signals. The present method provides a high-resolution
touch detection, particularly suitable for applications in medical
devices and biotechnology applications.
In some embodiments, the sensing apparatus includes a sensing
circuit. FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of a sensing circuit in some
embodiments according to the present disclosure, FIG. 16 is a
circuit diagram of a sensing circuit in some embodiments according
to the present disclosure. FIG. 16 shows the structure of a sensing
unit SU in FIG. 15. Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the sensing
circuit in some embodiments includes an input voltage signal line a
first output voltage signal line Vout1; a reference voltage signal
line V0; and a ground voltage signal line 0V. The sensing circuit
further includes a plurality of sensing units SU. A respective one
of the plurality of sensing units SU includes a first component 21
and a second component 22. Further, the sensing circuit in some
embodiments further includes a first selector switch 173 configured
to selectively couple a first terminal of the first component 21 to
one of the input voltage signal line Vin or the first output
voltage signal line Vout1; a second selector switch 174 configured
to selectively couple a second terminal of the first component 21
to one of the reference voltage signal line V0 or the ground
voltage signal line 0V; a third selector switch 175 configured to
selectively couple a first terminal of the second component 22 to
one of the input voltage signal line Vin or the first output
voltage signal line Vout1; and a fourth selector switch 176
configured to selectively couple a second terminal of the second
component 22 to one of the reference voltage signal line V0 or the
ground voltage signal line 0V.
In some embodiments, the first component 21 is configured to emit
light when a voltage level at the first terminal of the first
component 21 is higher than a voltage level at the second terminal
of the first component 21 to generate a current flowing from the
first terminal of the first component 21 to the second terminal of
the first component 21; and the second component 22 is configured
to detect light when a voltage level at the second terminal of the
second component 22 is higher than a voltage level at the first
terminal of the second component 22 to generate a photocurrent
flowing from the second terminal of the second component 22 to the
first terminal of the second component 22.
Optionally, each of the first selector switch 173, the second
selector switch 174, the third selector switch 175, and the fourth
selector switch 176 is a double-pole switch.
Optionally, each of the first selector switch 173 and the third
selector switch 175 is a double-pole switch, and each of the second
selector switch 174 and the fourth selector switch 176 is a
single-pole switch. Optionally, the single-pole switch (e.g., the
second selector switch 174 and the fourth selector switch 176)
selectively controls a connection with the reference voltage signal
line V0 or the ground voltage signal line 0V.
Optionally, the selector switch includes a triode. Optionally, the
selector switch includes a NMOS transistor. Optionally, the
selector switch includes a PMOS transistor.
In some embodiments, the method includes, under a plurality of
control signals (e.g., control signals M1 to M4 as shown in FIG.
16) sequentially selectively coupling terminals of the first
components 21 and the second components 22 of the plurality of
sensing units SU respectively to various signal lines at a given
time interval. For example, under the control signal M1, the first
selector switches 173 in the plurality of sensing units SU are
configured to sequentially selectively coupling first terminals of
first components 21 of the plurality of sensing units SU to an
input voltage signal line Vin at a given time interval. Under the
control signal M2, the second selector switches 174 in the
plurality of sensing units SU are configured to sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of first components 21 of the
plurality of sensing units SU to a ground voltage signal line 0V at
a given time interval. Under the control signal M3, the third
selector switches 175 in the plurality of sensing units SU are
configured to sequentially selectively coupling first terminals of
second components 22 of the plurality of sensing units SU to a
first output voltage signal line Vout1 at a given time interval.
Under the control signal M4, the fourth selector switches 176 in
the plurality of sensing units SU are configured to sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of second components 22 of
the plurality of sensing units SU to a reference voltage signal
line V0 at a given time interval. The voltage level at the first
terminal of the first component 21 is an input voltage level v1,
and the voltage level at the second terminal of the first component
21 is zero, and the first component 21 is forwardly conducted, and
emits light. The voltage level at the first terminal of the second
component 22 is a voltage level v2, and the voltage level at the
second terminal of the second component 22 is a reference voltage
level v0. When the second component 22 detects a photon, a reverse
photocurrent is generated due to the photovoltaic effect.
Accordingly, the sensing circuit detects a first output voltage
having a voltage level of v3. Optionally, the sensing circuit
further includes an amplifier downstream of the first output
voltage signal line Vout1 to increase detection accuracy. When the
elastic layer is subject to a force, the elastic layer undergoes a
deformation, resulting in a change in the intensity of light
received by the second component 22. The voltage level of the first
output voltage changes to a voltage level of v4. By comparing the
voltage level v4 with the voltage level v3, it can be determined
that at least one of the plurality of sensing units SU is subject
to the force.
In some embodiments, the first component 21 is configured to detect
light when a voltage level at the second terminal of the first
component 21 is higher than a voltage level at the first terminal
of the first component 21 to generate a photocurrent flowing from
the second terminal of the first component 21 to the first terminal
of the first component 21; and the second component 22 is
configured to emit light when a voltage level at the first terminal
of the second component 22 is higher than a voltage level at the
second terminal of the second component 22 to generate a current
flowing from the first terminal of the second component 22 to the
second terminal of the second component 22. FIG. 17 is a circuit
diagram of a sensing circuit in some embodiments according to the
present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a circuit diagram of a sensing
circuit in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 shows the structure of a sensing unit SU in FIG. 17.
Referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, each of the first selector switch
173, the second selector switch 174, the third selector switch 175,
and the forth selector switch 176 is a double-pole switch.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the method further includes
emitting light from the second component 22 of a respective one of
a plurality of sensing units SU; reflecting at least a portion of
light emitted from the second component 22 by the surface of the
elastic layer; detecting light reflected by the surface of the
elastic layer by the first component 21 of the respective one of
the plurality of sensing units SU; and outputting a second sensing
signal from the first component 21 of the respective one of the
plurality of sensing units SU. Optionally, the intensity of the
second sensing signal is correlated to a degree of the deformation
of the elastic layer at a local position.
In some embodiments, the method includes, under a plurality of
control signals (e.g., control signals M1' to M4' as shown in FIG.
18), sequentially selectively coupling terminals of the first
components 21 and the second components 22 of the plurality of
sensing units SU respectively to various signal lines at a given
time interval. For example, under the control signal M1', the first
selector switches 173 in the plurality of sensing units SU are
configured to sequentially selectively coupling first terminals of
first components 21 of the plurality of sensing units SU to a first
output voltage signal line Vout1 at a given time interval. Under
the control signal M2', the second selector switches 174 in the
plurality of sensing units SU are configured to sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of first components 21 of the
plurality of sensing units SU to a reference voltage signal line V0
at a given time interval. Under the control signal M3', the third
selector switches 175 in the plurality of sensing units SU are
configured to sequentially selectively coupling first terminals of
second components 22 of the plurality of sensing units SU to an
input voltage signal line Vin at a given time interval. Under the
control signal M4', the fourth selector switches 176 in the
plurality of sensing units SU are configured to sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of second components 22 of
the plurality of sensing units SU to a ground voltage signal line
0V at a given time interval. The voltage level at the first
terminal of the second component 22 is an input voltage level v1,
and the voltage level at the second terminal of the second
component 22 is zero, and the second component 22 is forwardly
conducted, and emits light. The voltage level at the first terminal
of the first component 21 is a voltage level v2, and the voltage
level at the second terminal of the first component 21 is a
reference voltage level v0. When the first component 21 detects a
photon, a reverse photocurrent is generated due to the photovoltaic
effect. Accordingly, the sensing circuit detects a first output
voltage having a voltage level of v3. When the elastic layer is
subject to a force, the elastic layer undergoes a deformation,
resulting in a change in the intensity of light received by the
first component 21. The voltage level of the first output voltage
changes to a voltage level of v4. By comparing the voltage level v4
with the voltage level v3, it can be determined that at least one
of the plurality of sensing units SU is subject to the force.
In some embodiments, the sensing apparatus is operated in a
time-division driving mode including a first mode and a second
mode. In the first mode (e.g., during a first time period T1), the
sensing apparatus is under the control of control signals M1 to M4.
In the second mode (e.g., during a second time period T2), the
sensing apparatus is under the control of control signals M1' to
M4'. Specifically, in the first mode, the control signal M1
controls the first selector switches 173 to sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of first components 21 to an
input voltage signal line Vin at a given time interval, the control
signal M2 controls the second selector switches 174 to sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of first components 21 to a
ground voltage signal line 0V at a given time interval, the control
signal M3 controls the third selector switches 175 to sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of second components 22 to a
first output voltage signal line Vout1 at a given time interval,
the control signal M4 controls the fourth selector switches 176 to
sequentially selectively coupling second terminals of second
components 22 to a reference voltage signal line V0 at a given time
interval. Specifically, in the second mode, the control signal M1'
controls the first selector switches 173 to sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of first components 21 to a
first output voltage signal line Vout1 at a given time interval,
the control signal M2' controls the second selector switches 174 to
sequentially selectively coupling second terminals of first
components 21 to a reference voltage signal line V0 at a given time
interval, the control signal M3' controls the third selector
switches 175 to sequentially selectively coupling first terminals
of second components 22 to an input voltage signal line Vin at a
given time interval, the control signal M4' controls the fourth
selector switches 176 to sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of second components 22 to a ground voltage signal line
0V at a given time interval. By detecting a first output voltage
Vt1 in the first mode (during the first time period t1) and a
second output voltage Vt2 in the second mode (during, the second
time period t2), the touch position and touch pressure can be
determined.
Optionally, each of the first selector switch 173, the second
selector switch 174, the third selector switch 175, and the fourth
selector switch 176 is a double-pole switch.
Optionally, each of the first selector switch 173 and the third
selector switch 175 is a double-pole switch, and each of the second
selector switch 174 and the fourth selector switch 176 is a
single-pole switch. Optionally, the single-pole switch (e.g., the
second selector switch 174 and the fourth selector switch 176)
selectively controls a connection with the reference voltage signal
line V0 or the ground voltage signal line 0V.
In some embodiments, a respective one of the plurality of sensing
units SU further includes a third component. FIG. 19 is a circuit
diagram of a sensing circuit in some embodiments according to the
present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of a sensing
circuit in some embodiments according to the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the sensing apparatus in some
embodiments further comprises a second output voltage signal line
Vout2, and the respective one of the plurality of sensing units SU
further includes a third component 32. Optionally, the sensing
circuit further includes a fifth selector switch 177 configured to
selectively couple a first terminal of the third component 32 to
one of the input voltage signal line or the second output voltage
signal line Vout2; and a sixth selector switch 178 configured to
selectively couple a second terminal of the third component 32 to
one of the reference voltage signal line V0 or the ground voltage
signal line 0V. Optionally, the third component 32 is configured to
detect light when a voltage level at the second terminal of the
third component 32 is higher than a voltage level at the first
terminal of the third component 32 to generate a photocurrent
flowing from the second terminal of the third component 32 to the
first terminal of the third component 32.
Accordingly, the method in some embodiments includes emitting light
from a first component of a respective one of a plurality of
sensing units SU; reflecting at least a portion of light emitted
from the first component 21 by a surface of an elastic layer;
detecting light reflected by the surface of the elastic layer by a
second component 22 of the respective one of the plurality of
sensing units; outputting a first sensing signal from the second
component 22 of the respective one of the plurality of sensing
units; further detecting light reflected by the surface of the
elastic layer by a third component 32 of the respective one of the
plurality of sensing units SU, and outputting a third sensing
signal from the third component 32 of the respective one of the
plurality of sensing units. An intensity of the first sensing
signal and an intensity of the third sensing signal are
independently correlated to a degree of the deformation of the
elastic layer at a local position. Optionally, by comparing the
first sensing signal and the third sensing signal, a touch position
and touch pressure can be determined more accurately. Optionally,
the first sensing signal and the third sensing signal are compared
with a plurality of reference signals corresponding to a plurality
of touch positions, a touch position and touch pressure can be
determined more accurately.
In some embodiments, the method further includes, under a plurality
of control signals (e.g., control signals M1 to M6 as shown in FIG.
20), sequentially selectively coupling terminals of the first
components 21, the second components 22, and the third component 32
of the plurality of sensing units SU respectively to various signal
lines at a given time interval. For example, under the control
signal M1, the first selector switches 173 in the plurality of
sensing units SU are configured to sequentially selectively
coupling first terminals of first components 21 of the plurality of
sensing units SU to an input voltage signal line Vin at a given
time interval. Under the control signal M2, the second selector
switches 174 in the plurality of sensing units SU are configured to
sequentially selectively coupling second terminals of first
components 21 of the plurality of sensing units SU to a ground
voltage signal line 0V at a given time interval. Under the control
signal M3, the third selector switches 175 in the plurality of
sensing units SU are configured to sequentially selectively
coupling first terminals of second components 22 of the plurality
of sensing units SU to a first output voltage signal line Vout1 at
a given time interval. Under the control signal M4, the fourth
selector switches 176 in the plurality of sensing units SU are
configured to sequentially selectively coupling second terminals of
second components 22 of the plurality of sensing units SU to a
reference voltage signal line V0 at a given time interval. Under
the control signal M5, the fifth selector switch 177 in the
plurality of sensing units SU are configured to sequentially
selectively coupling first terminals of third components 32 of the
plurality of sensing units SU to a second output voltage signal
line Vout2 at a given time interval. Under the control signal M6,
the sixth selector switch 178 in the plurality of sensing units SU
are configured to sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of third components 32 of the plurality of sensing units
SU to the reference voltage signal line V0 at a given time
interval. A first output voltage from the first output voltage
signal line Vout1 and a second output voltage from the second
output voltage signal line Vout2 can be detected to determine a
touch position and a touch pressure.
Optionally, each of the first selector switch 173, the second
selector switch 174, the third selector switch 175, the fourth
selector switch 176, the fifth selector switch 177, and the sixth
selector switch 178 is a double-pole switch.
Optionally, each of the first selector switch 173, the third
selector switch 175, and the fifth selector switch 177 is a
double-pole switch, and each of the second selector switch 174, the
fourth selector switch 176, and the sixth selector switch 178 is a
single-pole switch. Optionally, the single-pole switch (e.g., the
second selector switch 174, the fourth selector switch 176, and the
sixth selector switch 178) selectively controls a connection with
the reference voltage signal line V0 or the ground voltage signal
line 0V.
FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring
to FIG. 21, the method in some embodiments includes sequentially
inputting a first control signal to first selector switches at a
given time interval, sequentially inputting a second control signal
to second selector switches at a given time interval, sequentially
inputting a third control signal to third selector switches at a
given time interval, sequentially inputting a fourth control signal
to fourth selector switches at a given time interval; detecting in
real time a first output voltage from the first output voltage
signal line using a voltage detector when the first control signal
and the second control signal are inputted; and counting a time
duration during which the first output voltage undergoes a change
exceeding a threshold value. Optionally, the method further
includes one or a combination of the following steps: (1) comparing
the time duration with time points at which the plurality of
sensing units respectively receiving the first control signal to
determine a sensing unit subject to touch, and (2) comparing a
change in a voltage level of the first output voltage during the
time duration with a plurality of reference voltage levels to
determine a touch pressure.
In one example, and referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, during a
first time period T1, the control signal M1 controls the first
selector switches 173 to sequentially selectively coupling first
terminals of first components 21 to an input voltage signal line
Vin at a given time interval, the control signal M2 controls the
second selector switches 174 to sequentially selectively coupling
second terminals of first components 21 to a ground voltage signal
line 0V at a given time interval, the control signal M3 controls
the third selector switches 175 to sequentially selectively
coupling first terminals of second components 22 to a first output
voltage signal line Vout1 at a given time interval, and the control
signal M4 controls the fourth selector switches 176 to sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of second components 22 to a
reference voltage signal line V0 at a given time interval. The
first component 21 is a light emitting component, and the second
component 22 is a light detecting component. In one example, the
first component 21 is a light emitting diode and the second
component 22 is a photodiode. In another example, the first
component 21 is a photodiode and the second component 22 is also a
photodiode. The photodiode is capable of generating a reverse
photocurrent due to the photovoltaic effect when exposed to light,
thereby outputting a first output voltage signal.
By comparing the time duration with time points at which the
plurality of sensing units respectively receiving the first control
signal, a position of a sensing unit subject to touch can be
determined. Because a respective one of the plurality of sensing
units receives the first control signal at different time points in
a given order, the comparison can effectively reveal the exact
sensing unit that is subject to touch.
By comparing a change in a voltage level of the first output
voltage during the time duration with a plurality of reference
voltage levels, a touch pressure can be determined. The plurality
of reference voltage levels can be stored in a memory.
Alternatively, a correlation function can be stored in a memory for
determining the touch pressure. Optionally, the plurality of
reference voltage levels or the correlation function can be stored
in cloud or a remote server. Optionally, the plurality of reference
voltage levels or the correlation function can be optimized based
on a deep learning training unit.
In some embodiments, to further enhance the detection accuracy,
each of the first component and the second component can switch
between being a light emitting component and a light detecting
component. Optionally, each of the first component and the second
component is a photodiode that can be configured to be a light
emitting component or configured to be a light detecting component.
FIG. 22 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring
to FIG. 22, the method includes operating the touch detection in a
time-division driving mode including a first mode and a second
mode. In the first mode, the method includes sequentially inputting
a first control signal to first selector switches at a given time
interval, sequentially inputting a second control signal to second
selector switches at a given time interval, sequentially inputting
a third control signal to third selector switches at a given time
interval, sequentially inputting a fourth control signal to fourth
selector switches at a given time interval; and detecting in real
time a first output voltage from the first output voltage signal
line using a voltage detector when the first control signal, the
second control signal, the third control signal, and the fourth
control signal are inputted. In the second mode, the method
includes in a second mode, sequentially inputting a fifth control
signal to first selector switches at a given time interval,
sequentially inputting a sixth control signal to second selector
switches at a given time interval, sequentially inputting a seventh
control signal to third selector switches at a given time interval,
sequentially inputting an eighth control signal to fourth selector
switches at a given time interval; and detecting in real time a
second output voltage from the first output voltage signal line
using the voltage detector when the fifth control signal, the sixth
control signal, the seventh control signal, and the eighth control
signal are inputted. The method further includes counting a time
duration during which the first output voltage and the second
output voltage respectively undergo a change exceeding a threshold
value; and one or a combination of the following: (1) comparing the
time duration with time points at which the plurality of sensing
units respectively receiving control signals to determine a sensing
unit subject to touch; and (2) comparing changes in voltage levels
of the first output voltage and the second output voltage during
the time duration with a plurality of first reference voltage
levels and a plurality of second reference voltage levels
respectively to determine a touch pressure.
Referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, in the first mode (e.g., during a
first time period T1), the control signal M1 controls the first
selector switches 173 to sequentially selectively coupling first
terminals of first components 21 to an input voltage signal line
Vin at a given time interval, the control signal M2 controls the
second selector switches 174 to sequentially selectively coupling
second terminals of first components 21 to a ground voltage signal
line 0V at a given time interval, the control signal M3 controls
the third selector switches 175 to sequentially selectively
coupling first terminals of second components 22 to a first output
voltage signal line Vout1 at a given time interval, the control
signal M4 controls the fourth selector switches 176 to sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of second components 22 to a
reference voltage signal line V0 at a given time interval.
Referring to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, in the second mode (e.g., during
a second time period T2), the control signal M1' controls the first
selector switches 173 to sequentially selectively coupling first
terminals of first components 21 to a first output voltage signal
line Vout1 at a given time interval, the control signal M2'
controls the second selector switches 174 to sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of first components 21 to a
reference voltage signal line V0 at a given time interval, the
control signal M3' controls the third selector switches 175 to
sequentially selectively coupling first terminals of second
components 22 to an input voltage signal line Vin at a given time
interval, the control signal M4' controls the fourth selector
switches 176 to sequentially selectively coupling second terminals
of second components 22 to a ground voltage signal line 0V at a
given time interval. By detecting a first output voltage Vt1 in the
first mode (during the first time period t1) and a second output
voltage Vt2 in the second mode (during the second time period t2),
the touch position and touch pressure can be determined.
By comparing the time duration with time points at which the
plurality of sensing units respectively receiving the control
signals (e.g., the first control signal in the first mode or the
fifth control signal in the second mode), a position of a sensing
unit subject to touch can be determined. Because a respective one
of the plurality of sensing units receives the first control signal
or the fifth control signal at different time points in a given
order, the comparison can effectively reveal the exact sensing unit
that is subject to touch.
By comparing changes in voltage levels of the first output voltage
and the second output voltage during the time duration with a
plurality of first reference voltage levels and a plurality of
second reference voltage levels respectively, a touch pressure can
be determined with an enhanced accuracy. The plurality of reference
voltage levels can be stored in a memory. Alternatively, a
correlation function can be stored in a memory for determining the
touch pressure. Optionally, the plurality of reference voltage
levels or the correlation function can be stored in cloud or a
remote server. Optionally, the plurality of reference voltage
levels or the correlation function can be optimized based on a deep
learning training unit.
In some embodiments, and referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the
sensing apparatus in some embodiments further includes a second
output voltage signal line Vout2, and the respective one of the
plurality of sensing units SU further includes a third component
32. Optionally, the sensing circuit further includes a fifth
selector switch 177 configured to selectively couple a first
terminal of the third component 32 to one of the input voltage
signal line or the second output voltage signal line Vout2; and a
sixth selector switch 178 configured to selectively couple a second
terminal of the third component 32 to one of the reference voltage
signal line V0 or the ground voltage signal line 0V. Optionally,
the third component 32 is configured to detect light when a voltage
level at the second terminal of the third component 32 is higher
than a voltage level at the first terminal of the third component
32 to generate a photocurrent flowing from the second terminal of
the third component 32 to the first terminal of the third component
32.
FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting a touch
in some embodiments according to the present disclosure. Referring
to FIG. 23, the method in some embodiment includes sequentially
inputting a first control signal to first selector switches at a
given time interval, sequentially inputting a second control signal
to second selector switches at a given time interval, sequentially
inputting a third control signal to third selector switches at a
given time interval, sequentially inputting a fourth control signal
to fourth selector switches at a given time interval, sequentially
inputting a ninth control signal to fifth selector switches at a
given time interval, and sequentially inputting a tenth control
signal to sixth selector switches at a given time interval;
detecting in real time a first output voltage from the first output
voltage signal line using a voltage detector when the first control
signal, the second control signal, the third control signal, and
the fourth control signal are inputted, and detecting in real time
a third output voltage from a second output voltage signal line
using the voltage detector when the first control signal, the
second control signal, the ninth control signal, and the tenth
control signal are inputted; counting a time duration during which
the first output voltage and the third output voltage respectively
undergo a change exceeding a threshold value. Optionally, the
method includes one or a combination of the following: (1)
comparing the time duration with time points at which the plurality
of sensing units respectively receiving the first control signal to
determine a sensing unit subject to touch; and (2) comparing
changes in voltage levels of the first output voltage and the third
output voltage during the time duration with a plurality of first
reference voltage levels and a plurality of third reference voltage
levels respectively to determine a touch pressure
In one example, and referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, during a
first time period T1, the control signal M1 controls the first
selector switches 173 to sequentially selectively coupling first
terminals of first components 21 to an input voltage signal line
Vin at a given time interval; the control signal M2 controls the
second selector switches 174 to sequentially selectively coupling
second terminals of first components 21 to a ground voltage signal
line 0V at a given time interval; the control signal M3 controls
the third selector switches 175 to sequentially selectively
coupling first terminals of second components 22 to a first output
voltage signal line Vout1 at a given time interval; the control
signal M4 controls the fourth selector switches 176 to sequentially
selectively coupling second terminals of second components 22 to a
reference voltage signal line V0 at a given time interval; the
control signal M5 controls the fifth selector switch 177 to
sequentially selectively coupling first terminals of third
components 32 to a second output voltage signal line Vout2 at a
given time interval; and the control signal M6 controls the sixth
selector switch 178 to sequentially selectively coupling second
terminals of third components 32 to the reference voltage signal
line V0 at a given time interval. A first output voltage from the
first output voltage signal line Vout1 and a second output voltage
from the second output voltage signal line Vout2 can be detected to
determine a touch position and a touch pressure.
By comparing the time duration with time points at which the
plurality of sensing units respectively receiving the control
signals (e.g., the first control signal), a position of a sensing
unit subject to touch can be determined. Because a respective one
of the plurality of sensing units receives the first control signal
at different time points in a given order, the comparison can
effectively reveal the exact sensing unit that is subject to
touch.
By comparing changes in voltage levels of the first output voltage
and the third output voltage during the time duration with a
plurality of first reference voltage levels and a plurality of
third reference voltage levels respectively, a touch pressure can
be determined with an enhanced accuracy. The plurality of reference
voltage levels can be stored in a memory. Alternatively, a
correlation function can be stored in a memory for determining the
touch pressure. Optionally, the plurality of reference voltage
levels or the correlation function can be stored in cloud or a
remote server. Optionally, the plurality of reference voltage
levels or the correlation function can be optimized based on a deep
learning training unit.
The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has
been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is
not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise form or to exemplary embodiments disclosed. Accordingly,
the foregoing description should be retarded as illustrative rather
than restrictive. Obviously, many modifications and variations will
be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. The embodiments
are chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the
invention and its best mode practical application, thereby to
enable persons skilled in the art to understand the invention for
various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to
the particular use or implementation contemplated. It is intended
that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended
hereto and their equivalents in which all terms are meant in their
broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Therefore,
the term "the invention", "the present invention" or the like does
not necessarily limit the claim scope to a specific embodiment, and
the reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention does not
imply a limitation on the invention, and no such limitation is to
be inferred. The invention is limited only by the spirit and scope
of the appended claims. Moreover, these claims may refer to use
"first", "second", etc. following with noun or element. Such terms
should be understood as a nomenclature and should not be construed
as giving the limitation on the number of the elements modified by
such nomenclature unless specific number has been given. Any
advantages and benefits described may not apply to all embodiments
of the invention. It should be appreciated that variations may be
made in the embodiments described by persons skilled in the art
without departing from the scope of the present invention as
defined by the following claims. Moreover, no element and component
in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether the element or component is explicitly
recited in the following claims.
* * * * *